A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip provides a tamper-resistant way to store encryption keys on a computer. Once your device has been encrypted, the TPM chip holds the certificate to decrypt the device once you have entered your password or PIN. On Windows computers, a TPM chip is normally required to enable and use encryption features like BitLocker.

Some computers do not have a TPM chip installed or the TPM chip will have to be manually enabled. Apple devices like Macs and iPads do not have TPM chips but have other software and hardware that serve the same purpose.